SASKATOON — A Saskatchewan family is demanding answers from the provincial government after losing their home — and generations of priceless memories — to wildfire.
Doug Swiderski and his son Nic say the Shore Fire that tore through their small East Trout Lake community in late May could have been avoided, or at least mitigated, if officials had acted on their repeated warnings. Their cabin, which was Doug’s permanent residence and had been in the family for decades, was among many structures destroyed.
Located just over 300 kilometres north of Saskatoon and a short drive from Clarence-Steepbank Lakes Provincial Park, East Trout Lake is a well-loved summer destination, home to more than 50 cabins and two resorts. For Doug, who has lived there for 55 years, it was more than a vacation spot — it was home, heritage and legacy.
Now, the Swiderskis say the province ignored their calls for help and failed to declare a state of emergency in time to protect the community.
Nic, who joined his father at a media conference on Wednesday at the Saskatchewan NDP Westside office, said their warnings fell on deaf ears and that provincial officials dismissed their request for assistance.
“We raised concerns about the fire fast approaching East Trout and were laughed at. That was two days before the entire community burned. There was a complete failure to respond, to protect our homes,” Nic said.
“Just [always] be prepared, I guess. The information we're hearing now, about the bombers, the lack of equipment, and the lack of manpower, is concerning. We tried to get them to declare a state of emergency and seek help sooner. And they ultimately laughed at us.”
Doug said his parents moved to East Trout Lake when he was six years old. They later constructed a larger house for their retirement and wished for their ashes to be buried there. Doug fulfilled their wishes.
“When dad retired, we tore down the old cabin, and we rebuilt a new one for them, so that they were able to retire up there. They loved it so much. Before they passed away, I remember sitting on the deck with my mom, and she said that they wanted to be there,” Doug said.
“When they passed away, their ashes were put there, so that way, they were to stay with it.”
He added that he sold his house and moved to the cabin permanently, which is reflected on his driver’s licence. It was to be passed down to Nic and eventually to his grandson.
Doug said the cabin was full of photo albums and other pictures that preserved memorable moments in their lives, his hunting gear, and the family’s keepsakes — like his mother’s wedding dress and a vintage 21-jewel CPR pocket watch.
“My grandparents, [Nic’s] great-grandparents, also had a cabin there across the road from where ours was. We spent lots of great time up there,” Doug said.
He added that his grandfather’s pocket watch was a family heirloom meant to be passed down through generations of Swiderskis. While it had monetary value, it was irreplaceable. Doug had already given it to Nic.
“We could have pawned it or sold it, but money can’t match this. The memory of my great-grandfather has no monetary value. It is my way of feeling connected to him, as this was passed down to my grandfather and then to me. Now it’s gone,” Nic added.
Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail joined the Swiderskis at the media availability event.
McPhail stated that the government failed to assist the people of East Trout Lake and that families require answers so that proper steps can be taken to prevent this from happening again.
“The people of East Trout Lake and everyone affected by the wildfires deserved answers. The Swiderski family not only had their longtime family home burned to the ground, but the ashes of their loved ones were burned as well,” said McPhail. “Homes, vehicles and irreplaceable memories were all put at risk because the government failed to act. Doug and Nic did everything that they could to raise the alarm. They warned the officials about the danger, and they were not taken seriously.”
SPSA statement
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, in a statement sent by Communications and Media Manager Stephanie Wilkinson, said they recognize the impact of the Shoe fire on East Trout Lake residents and other communities devastated by the wildfires over the last few weeks.
“We acknowledge that there are many losses for families and individuals, and would like to express sympathy to those who have been impacted. The SPSA Operation's top priority will always be protecting human life, followed by protecting communities, major infrastructure and other resources,” said the statement.
“All six of the fires of note at the time received multiple levels of response, ranging from wildland firefighting crews to air tankers, heavy equipment, helicopter support, contract resources and/or municipal or volunteer Fire Departments. The SPSA is committed to helping impacted communities through recovery.
The SPSA added that they had established a Recovery Task Team, which includes representatives from provincial ministries and others as needed, to assist the individuals and communities devastated by the wildfires.
“They [SPSA Recovery Task Team] will focus on the tasks necessary to help families and communities rebuild, although we acknowledge that some losses are irreplaceable,” the SPSA statement ended.
*The story was updated to reflect the statement of the provincial government, through SPSA.
